Shift your perspective.

You can’t compromise the integrity of your character for fleshly pleasures. You are called as a leader of the kingdom of God. Resisting the devil, his tricks schemes and contempt is difficult and uncomfortable, but it is your duty. You are not outfitted for comfort but instead for battle. Suited in the full armor of God, you are a soldier. Your duty is to serve the lord your God, father, and friend wholeheartedly. You must wage war against the devil, your adversary.

                                                                                                Author: Antonio Ramano Manya Lightbourn

Often, we want our lives to be easy and full of bliss and pleasure, evading uncomfortable situations or uncertain outcomes. Our focus tends to be self-centered and all about the desires we seek to reach. I handle these situations daily. It is getting a new part for my car. Or it involves traveling to a beautiful remote location to relax. There isn’t anything wrong with taking a vacation. Engaging in a hobby is also fine. Still, I had to ask myself a question. Do I spend more time thinking about ways to fill my time with instant gratification? Do I escape from reality more than I think about serving God? My answer is yes. Now, as a believer, I must stop and first repent of these distracting habits. I need to evaluate how I’m going to implement Godly change in my life.  Seeking the kingdom of God above all else.

The bible says in Matthew 6:33:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Break-down

So, what does this mean? This means that your definite goal or purpose in life is to serve God with everything you have. This includes your thoughts, your money, your gifts, your personal goals, and your dreams.

What does that look like in action.

Most mornings, I wake up, or my kids wake me up. The busyness of my day begins to consume me. I start making breakfast and getting school lunch ready while trying to get the kids clothes on. Then I find myself checking emails and catching up on social media, chores, and other responsibilities.  This to me is not putting the kingdom of God first, why? well because I chose to put chores and responsibilities before meeting with the father for the day.

The bible says in Luke 9:62

⁶² And Jesus said unto him, no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Call to Action

We shouldn’t allow ourselves to be distracted from the work of God. Our attention and focus should be first on getting to know Jesus and serving him fully. By doing this, we implement his purpose on this earth. Then, God promises to supply us with the things we need. I’ve learned that our needs are to advance the kingdom, not our fleshy desires. I deliberately set a specific time to get up early to put God first. I would intentionally spend time with God before the busyness of the day consumes me. Then this will allow me to look at my day from a different perspective. Instead of letting the day take control of me, I can prevent it from spiraling out of control. I avoid feeling stressed or helpless by having a kingdom outlook. This helps me serve God intentionally through my actions and interactions throughout the day.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I love you and I want to know you more and more every day. I don’t want to get consumed by chores or mindless scrolling on social media. I refuse to let anything distract me from really getting to know you. Instead, I want to be consumed with an unquenchable fire. I wish to know you deeply more than anything else. I understand that the things of this world are distractions. The more I’m distracted, the less time I spend with you, Lord. Your word says anyone who does not stay in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. So Heavenly Father give me the strength to be disciplined and intentional every day in Jesus mighty name I pray.

AMEN